Car industry welcomes Government emissions study

Key elements of the Australian car industry have welcomed a government examination of vehicle emissions standards.

The Federal Government has announced plans for a ministerial forum to "examine vehicle emissions standards in Australia and vehicle testing arrangements".

Major Projects Minister Paul Fletcher will oversee the group, which will also examine fuel quality standards, fuel efficiency measures and emissions testing arrangements.

Fletcher says the government will look to introduce stricter emissions standards in coming years.

"We have recently adopted the United Nations-based Euro 5 noxious emissions standards for light and heavy vehicles and are now considering the adoption of Euro 6," he says.

"We are also working with other countries to improve the vehicle testing arrangements for noxious emissions."

The government will examine changes to the Fuel Quality Standards Act next year, before Fletcher's group reports back in June 2016 with options for managing fuel standards and air pollutants, and again in 2017 with methods to deliver on climate change targets for 2030.

It plans to work closely with the car industry to determine real-world emissions information.

"We are pleased the Australian Government is looking to industries to provide real-world information on the important issue of emissions reductions," he says.

"The vehicle industry welcomes the opportunity to work with the Government to discuss these policy considerations and explore opportunities to further improve on-road operation and efficiency of vehicles in Australia."

Weber says fuel quality and emerging alternative fuel technology should be examined as part of discussions with the government.

Australian Automotive Association chief executive Michael Bradley says the development is timely, as the Volkswagen emissions scandal "raised serious questions regarding the way in which vehicle emission information is provided".

"It is important that the Australian Government works closely with industry and consumer representatives to determine the appropriate contribution that vehicle emissions can make toward achieving Australia's greenhouse reduction and air quality targets," Bradley says.

"Clearly, no sector or element of the national economy can or should be considered in isolation."